Valley & Co. Tips: Making Your Guests Feel Special

guest blogging with Valley & Co.

So happy to welcome Aleah and Nick of Valley & Co. back to the wedding blog today - it's been a little while since they were here last to share their terrific wedding tips with my readers. And, today they have great tips for making guests feel special and welcome at your wedding.

---

At most every wedding and event we plan there are a number of guests traveling from out of town. It's so important to make them feel special and appreciated from when they arrive at their hotel to when they leave your bash.

Welcome bags placed in each hotel room needn't be over-the-top {though we've created some really incredible goodies!}; stock baskets or bags with travel sized lotions, bottled water, a map of your city, an itinerary for the wedding or event, and some snacks. You can theme your welcome bags around the city you are in or the theme of your wedding: think Washington apples, Tim's Cascade chips, and Fran's chocolates in Seattle. Stock bags with gourmet cheeses and crackers and a small bottle of wine and opener for a winery celebration. Your guests will surely enjoy this treat.

Whether you have guests traveling from out of city, state, country, or continent, don't forget about them at your wedding! We know this can be easier said than done but visiting with each guest, even if it's brief, speak volumes. Yes, this is your wedding day, but your guests care about you enough to make it to your wedding and they're here to see you. Consider giving a welcome toast that thanks each group who came. Talk with your photographer ahead of time to schedule group photos with each family, group of college friends, or work colleagues so that no one is left behind.

Send guests off with a thoughtful and usable take-home gift or late-night snack post-bash. We've coordinated everything from Philly cheese steaks and French fries to an espresso stand, milk and cookies, and a gourmet hot dog stand upon exit! Guests young and old will enjoy a little refueling after a day of celebration.